Nepal Buddhist Cultural Tour

Nepal is an amazing country with different cultures and religions and among them, Buddhism is one. Nepal is a secular country where people from different religious backgrounds reside without any conflicts. There are thousands of temples including the Gumba and monasteries that can be visited almost any time of the year. The culture of Nepal is unique, it has a profound meaning and people all over the world admire it. A small fact about Nepal is that most of the population is Hindu and after Hinduism, there is Buddhism on the rise. Most of the festivals in the Newar community are influenced by Buddhism.

Monasteries Exploration in Kathmandu.

There are many monasteries and spiritually important sites present inside Kathmandu valley. These are very important for Buddhists worldwide and mostly for the Tibetan monks as they call it the holiest place. Nepal was the birthplace of Gautam Buddha as a result there are lots of monuments linked with Buddhism. The monasteries and other monuments that you will visit during the Buddhist cultural tour are as follows:

Boudhanath Stupa (Khasti Chaitya) is a very fascinating and spiritual sphere. Boudhanath is an important monument for Buddhists as it is devoted to Gautam Budhha. It is also known as the Khasti Chaitya. People moving around the giant white dome, monks chanting in low and placid voices, and the strong smell of divine incense will welcome you to the spiritual site. The dorm is surrounded by 108 small (Manya) prayer wheels, and colorful Lung Ta (Tibetian prayer flags) hanging from the top of the dorm.  One can experience spiritual tranquility here in Boudhanath Stupa. 

Kopan Monastery (Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Monastery) is located in Budhanilkantha and is just 15 mins away from Boudhanath stupa. It is a beautiful Tibetan monastery on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal. The building is surrounded by a beautiful abundance of lawns, flowers, sculpted hedgers, fountains, and many more. The monastery is not only a remarkable example of a beautiful building but also a place where one can experience inner peace. Where you can stay at the property and take part in the activities such as courses. 

Swayambhunath Temple translates to a self-existent one. It is also known as the monkey temple.  This stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal and has several shrines and monasteries on its premises. It was built by king Manadeva, and since the 13th century, it has become an important center of Buddhism. 

Namo Buddha (Thrangu Tashi Yangtse) is one of the most visited Buddhist monasteries in Nepal located near Dhulikhel. Namo Buddha is a historical place where a special Buddhist legend of King Mahasattva offered his flesh to hungry tigers at the very place making Namo Buddha a holy site. Namo Buddha is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Nepal and is one of the three main stupas in Kathmandu valley. You will get a great view of a photogenic building on the side of the hill.

Pharping Monastery (Neydo Tashi Choling Monastery) is said to be the place where Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) attended enlightenment making this place a sacred site. For Tibetan Buddhists, this hill of Pharping is as important as the Bodhgaya in India. It is believed that a few of the caves in the area were used as meditation places for popular Gurus. Two of these caves are Phamting Vajrayogini temple (Asura cave) and Yanglesho Cave. 

White Monastery ( Druk Amitabha Monterey) is one of the popular destinations in Nepal for a day hike. It is a Buddhist monastery situated at the top of Druk Amitabh located in Nagarjun municipality. The monastery itself is a beautiful work of Tibetan architecture, with many religious murals, statues, and paintings. Apart from its spiritual significance the monastery also provides an exquisite valley view. Meditation is one of the great things that you can do in this peaceful place. 

Maratika Chimey Takten Choling Monastery is situated near Kirtipur at Mahadevsthan which is conceived to be the holy place for Hindus and Buddhists. Mythology and geology are located in Halesi of Khotang district. This place holds special spiritual importance and many people visit this place for spiritual purposes. For many years this sacred place has been a very important pilgrimage destination for Buddhists seeking to engage in lifelong practice.  

Nagi Gumba is situated in the Budhanilkantha on Shivapuri hill. Nagi gumba is a well-known monastery located in the middle of Shivapuri peak from the Pani Muhan. The atmosphere of this place is enchanting with a divine vibe flowing endlessly. Nagi Gumba is a perfect viewpoint from where you can see the entire Kathmandu city. Nagi Gumba is not just a monument but also a residence for hundreds of monks learning the teachings of Buddha.

Buddhist Pilgrimage in Pokhara.

Pokhara is best known for its panoramic mountain views and the buzzy lakeside area. Alongside the busy streets and peaceful lakeside, there are peaceful monasteries where several young monks reside and live a completely different lifestyle. These monasteries allow visitors inside and you will be welcomed by the smiling faces of innocent monks and a strongly scented atmosphere. These locations are near the Tibetan refugees so you will get the golden chance to try some of the food such as dumplings, mouth-watering Chowmein, and refreshing butter tea. Few monasteries allow outsiders to stay at the monasteries for their particular courses and spiritual purpose. You will be allowed to stay at the monastery property under the supervision of the management of the monastery. 

World Peace Pagoda also known as Shanti Stupa located on top of Ananda hill giving you a spectacular view of Phewa lake and the entire Pokhara city. Besides being a great viewpoint it has its spiritual importance. The architecture itself is the symbol of spreading peace all over the place. Many people visit the peace pagoda for a spiritual purpose. The area is extremely peaceful and one can not only experience inner tranquility but also get a great view. The quiet atmosphere will take all your stress away for a while. 

Matepani Gumba also known as the Matepani Monastery is located in Pokhara, Kaski district. It is located on top of a small green hill around five kilometers northeast of Pokhara city. The monk's daily prayer routine can be a lifetime experience that one can take part. There you will be able to learn about the peculiar lifestyle of monks, try simple food, and experience the peaceful surroundings. As soon as you reach the monastery you will see several monks practicing discipline. 

Jangchub Choeling Monastery is located in the area where most of the Tibetan refugees reside. Jungchub Choeling monastery is one of the most prominent and oldest temples in Pokhara. It is around a 20 mins drive from the Pokhara bus stop. This place is full of Tibetan essences such as culture, food, and activities including festivals. The divine smell of incense will take you to another level of tranquility. It is also known as the most historical monastery, the monument is very colorful and stunning inside out. There is a golden statue situated inside the monastery where monks and religious people offer their prayers. 

Monasteries Exploration in Lumbini

Lumbini is an astounding place with profound spiritual importance. Many fascinating architectures are built with the help of many countries. There are temples such as Maya Devi Temple which has its significance. Besides the temple, there are numerous monasteries and religious complexes with different architectural styles inspired by other countries such as India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, etc. 

Lumbini is considered one of the holiest places of one of the great world's religions.  The second peace pagoda is located inside the Lumbini complex which is a symbol of peace. This place provides a great opportunity for visitors to experience inner peace and spiritual growth. Each monument that you see has its important religious importance. As already mentioned several international monuments are the symbol of world peace. Places that you will be visiting on your trip are as listed:

Lumbini Cultural Sightseeing

Lumbini is an ideal place for someone interested in architecture and history. Many complexes have a profound history and significance such as the Maya Devi temple, World Peace Pagoda, External peace flame, Royal Thai Monastery, Bodhi tree, Maya Devi, and many more. Besides the monuments that are present inside, there are places that you'll be visiting during your trip to Lumbini. The legendary places are Tilaurakot and Devdhaha which have fascinating historical folk literature. The beauty of these places will instantly take you on a spiritual journey, many people including the government offices also visit this place with respect. Other than the stunning attractions inside Lumbini there are other important places such as Lumbini cran sanctuary, Ashoka Pillar, and international monasteries and temples.  

Bodhi Tree (Tree of Awakening)

The holy Bodhi tree is located inside the premises of the Maya Devi complex right next to the shrine on the bank of the peaceful Maya Devi pound. The Bodhi tree stands as a strong symbol for Buddhists since it represents the capacity to attain enlightenment and find the joy and peace of Nirvana. The tree is covered in colorful Lung Ta (Tibetan prayer flags) spreading peace around the world. 

Eternal Peace flame is a major attraction in Lumbini garden. It is situated southwest of the canal. It represents the never-ending effort to create peace in the world. It is one of the major attractions to peace lovers all over the world. 

World Peace Pagoda, also called Nipponzan Peace Pagoda, is a Buddhist monument in Lumbini, Nepal. The pagoda acts as the starting point on the central axis of the Lumbini area. The stairs in the stupa lead to three different levels. The stupa is whitewashed and the floor of the pagoda is stone-paved. It has four different gilded statues on each side of the monument with a short description of the monument. There are two peace pagodas altogether in Nepal, one is in Pokhara and the other is in Lumbini. These monuments have their significance and promote peace all over the world. It also provides a spectacular view of the whole area. 

Tilaurakot is located in the ancient Shakyan city of Kapilvastu, where Gautam Buddha spent  29 years of his life. The archeological remains of the ancient shakyan kingdom are listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The distance between Lumbini and Tilaurakot is 38 km which will take approximately 50 mins drive. This place is considered an important site to many Buddhists. 

Memorials  and temples inside Lumbini

Maya Devi Temple is the main temple in  Lumbini, a site traditionally considered the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. The temple stands right in front of the sacred pool from where you can see the imposing reflection of the temple. This marvelous temple is surrounded by a sacred garden giving an amazing atmosphere for meditation and other peaceful activities. The archeological remains date back to the third century constructed by the Ashoka. The materials that are used are still intact making it the historical site at the present date. 

The Myanmar Golden Temple that you see in Lumbini is a replica of the original Golden Temple located in Myanmar. The beautiful golden temple was the first international to be built at Lumbini by any foreign country. It is the city’s oldest structure and is surrounded by a peaceful ambiance. The unique structure will allow you to discover the unique architecture of other nations. 

The Royal Thai monastery is located in the eastern monastic zone in Lumbini and is a pure white structure. The stunning monument is completely built in Thai style also known as the ‘’wat’’ style. The monastery is constructed with white marble and a blue rooftop making it the perfect place for a peaceful meditation area. It is an example of fine architecture. The dazzling Thai design and carving on the temple walls make this temple a thought-provoking monument. There are many other international monasteries that you can visit during your visit to Lumbini. 

What to expect from the Nepal Buddhist cultural tour?

Nepal Buddhist cultural tour will take you to some of the important Buddhist sites in the world including the birthplace of the Buddha (Lumbini). This combines both cultural and spiritual aspects of touring in Nepal, starting from the cultural, historical, and economical center of Nepal, Kathmandu. There you will visit some of the iconic places including Boudhanath Stupa, Swaymbunath, and many other monasteries like Kopan monastery and Namo Buddha. After absorbing the beauty of the historical Buddhist sites and peaceful monasteries, you will advance your journey toward Pokhara, the gateway to adventure activities. Along with the natural sites, you will visit the undisturbed Peace Pagoda situated on top of Aananda hill providing a panoramic view of the entire Pokhara city and the imposing Phewa lake

The monasteries that you will be visiting in Pokhara are Matepani Gumba, Jangchub Choeling monastery, world peace pagoda, and many more. More than visiting these religious sites there are other places where you can relax. You will pay a visit to Matepani Gumba where many Tibetian refugees reside there you will experience first-hand the Tibetan Buddhism lifestyle. This place is full of peaceful monks, blissful locals, delightful surroundings, simplistic food, and celestial spirit. This place is a feast for all the senses, deliciously simple food for the mouth, peaceful chanting of the monks for the ear, beautiful landscapes for the eyes, and a divine aura for the soul. 

After finishing the fully guided trip to Pokhara you will advance southwest to the birthplace of Lumbini. Devoting one full day to exploring the various cultural and spiritual sites at Lumbini. There are many international monasteries and temples built by other countries to establish peace between two different countries. The temples are built in different traditional styles such as “Wat” which is the traditional style of Thailand. This place is full of unique architecture and history, each one of the buildings has individual importance and elegance. Lumbini also has a pleasant garden where you can practice meditation and other peaceful activities. As mentioned above  Tilaurakot has the significance of its own as a result you will be paying a visit to this historical place as well.